european college of sport science

OP-AP01 Adapted physical activity
ence to full integration and equality and the impact it may have on Norwegian sports organisations. Theories on empowerment and
empowerment language and how these theories are used to facilitate activities are used as theoretical fundaments in the discussion.
References
Fasting, K. , Sand, T.S, Sisjord, M.K., Thoresen, T. & Broch, B.T. (2008)- Report on Equality and Variety in Norwegian Sport
UPPER LIMBS LEAN MASS AND STRENGTH IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME
GONZÁLEZ DE AGÜERO, A., VICENTE-RODRÍGUEZ, G., ARA ROYO, I., MORENO, L.A., CASAJÚS, J.A.
UNIVERSITY OF ZARAGOZA
Introduction: It is known that people with Down syndrome (DS) are hypotonic (Pueschel, 1990; Sakadamis et al., 2002) and they have “soft”
muscles. This hypotonicity could be the cause of the lack of strength in this population.
Material and methods: 30 children (17 male) with DS, mean age 14.7±3 yr. were compared with 30 healthy and without mental retardation
(MR) children, matched in age and sex. The upper limbs lean mass of the subjects was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
(DXA). Forearm strength was assessed with a maximal handgrip dynamometry in both hands. Dividing the kilograms of strength
the performed in the dynamometry by the kilograms of upper limbs lean mass, we obtained an index of relative strength (IRS) that indicates
the amount of kilograms of strength by one kilogram of lean mass in the upper limbs. Differences in the IRS between groups established
using Student’s unpaired t test and analysis of covariance was performed to test the differences in the upper limbs lean mass
adjusting by height and Tanner maturational status.
Results: children with DS had, statistically, increased lean mass in the upper limbs compared with control children; however the IRS was
46% lower in the children with DS (both p